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Who is GS1?

GS1 is a neutral not-for-profit standards organisation with more than 112 registered offices (called Member Organisations) around the world. Together with their members, GS1 Member Organisations work to re-engineer business processes in supply and value chains with the sole aim of solving the challenges of today’s dynamic consumer demands.

The non-competitive GS1 System is used in more than 20 industry sectors and in over 150 countries.

GS1 the Global Language of Business

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GS1 South Africa

As a not-for-profit organisation GS1 South Africa supports over 10 000 companies with services and business tools to drive efficiencies in their business. Member Subscriptions are on a cost recovery basis. All our services are driven by our members needs. Our Member Organisation is governed by a Council represented by key stakeholders in business.

We operate in compliance with the GS1 System on the three basic principles of:

Identify

Capture

Share

Identify

GS1 standards for identification

Used to uniquely distinguish all products (or “trade items”), logistic units, locations and assets across the supply chain from manufacturer to consumer.

Capture

GS1 standards for barcodes and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags

GS1 barcodes and EPC-enabled Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags carry information, including GS1 Identification Keys, about products and locations. They can also include more specific identification, such as batch/lot information and expiry dates for food traceability and safety.

Our Strategy for the future

Industry Sectors

Since 1982 GS1 South Africa has developed strong relationships and membership in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods ...Learn more

Industry Sectors

Since 1982 GS1 South Africa has developed strong relationships and membership in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Sector. This sector is very effectively aligned to using the GS1 System for the unique identification of products, scanning the GS1 barcode symbol at the Point of Sale and sharing data between suppliers and retailers using the Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN).

Moving to electronic messaging for ordering, invoicing, delivery notes and basic business communication is setting the stage for a revolution in the electronic data interchange space for business to business communications in retail.

The strategic focus for the adoption and implementation of the GS1 System standards will now include Healthcare, General Merchandise, Agriculture (all fresh produce), Pet food and animal feeds and Apparel.

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Technology Focus

With technological improvements around the world, the GS1 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)...Learn more

Technology Focus

With technological improvements around the world, the GS1 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) standards are well defined. The technology is stable and readily available and adding high percentages of return on investment for implementers around the world. GS1 South Africa will focus on driving the adoption and implementation of RFID into their strategic industry sectors.

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Small Business commitment

Our future strategy is to also up-lift the micro, small and medium businesses through the adoption of ...Learn more

Small Business commitment

Our future strategy is to also up-lift the micro, small and medium businesses through the adoption of the GS1 standards as an entry level into the bigger retail stores. With guidance and support from the GS1 South Africa teams, this will lead to improved business administration within the MSME’s and culminate in these businesses becoming sustainably viable operations. Our strategy includes the motto ‘We Care’ and it’s through this mantra that ongoing support will be a major focus of our strategy.

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Government and Association collaboration

We believe in sincere, open and transparent collaboration with Government bodies and Associations.Learn more

Government and Association collaboration

We believe in sincere, open and transparent collaboration with Government bodies and Associations.

Regulations are amended to meet the needs of local and international demands, especially with regards to consumer protection, food safety and cross border trade. Our collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industries, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Department of Health and the Associations that support the various sectors, is strategically focused to inform and impart knowledge of the GS1 System of standards to provide these bodies with a solution for industries to meet the requirements of regulations. GS1 refers to this as ‘The HOW’.

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Membership Experience

As a member your first contact with GS1 South Africa is important to us! With your input we have realised that as a first time subscriber ...Learn more

Membership Experience

As a member your first contact with GS1 South Africa is important to us! With your input we have realised that as a first time subscriber your experience needs to be great. . . and fast. Our strategy aims to deliver just that. New improved online capabilities with speed to subscribe and manage your own accounts are just a few of the innovations coming your way.